"This is our collective effort: to make these events a way to attract tourists, function as driving force for the economy at the regional scope, and able to (encourage) the tourism sector and the creative economy," Minister Uno said at the Sapta Pesona Building, here on Tuesday, according to an official release.
The ministry had initiated the Kharisma Event Nusantara (KEN) program, which highlighted various events in Indonesia, ranging from those at the provincial level to the sub-district and village levels.
The events included World Surf League QS 5000 Nias Pro on Sorake Beach, South Nias district, North Sumatra, and the WSL QS 5000 Krui Pro in Pesisir Selatan district, West Sumatra.
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They also included Saronde Festival, which promoted cultural and marine tourism in Gorontalo province, which is said to be a leading tourist destination.
"It is events like these that we need to try (to conduct) in coordination with ministries or agencies," Uno said.
He also appealed to regional governments to review or evaluate events so that they can be improved in the future. He then outlined some ways that the events could be improved, such as by offering artificial destinations as well as showcasing the scenic environment and cultural wealth of a destination.
“We started by organizing special interest tours. For example, eco-tourism, sports tourism, to (putting efforts to use) digitalization (to) increase the sales of creative economy products," he said.
The participants of the event, entitled “Active Collaboration of Creative Economy and Tourism" included the governor of Gorontalo province, head of South Nias district, head of West Nias district, and head of Mandailing Natal district.
Leaders from Pesisir Selatan district of West Sumatra, Kuantan Singingi district of Riau, Bandar Lampung city, and South Oku district and Musi Rawas district of South Sumatra also attended the event.
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Translator: M Baqir I A, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Suharto
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